Sunday, October 7, 2012

A Sweet Poem For the Start of Your Work Week

I came across this poem written by Max Ehrmann in the early 20th century while studying and generally being stressed about several projects I have coming up this week. I thought it was serendipitous :)

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

I hope everyone has a great week! Also, Derek [NOT BLAKE! Haha] decided to make our blog private for awhile. We took a ton of precautions to keep our blog from being visible on search engines, but somehow, random classmates of mine at GW kept coming across it. We'll probably open it back up later, but while I'm in my last year at GW and while I'm applying to jobs, it's probably best to keep it hidden for a bit. Let me know if you know of anyone who wants to read it but can't!
--Catherine